Old houses come with a certain charm, an aged beauty and a number of challenges. Moisture, cracks, pests and other issues await you if you’ve decided to renovate. However, the more prepared you are, the less tiresome and challenging the entire process will be. It can even turn into a fun project if you embark on the renovation venture with the right approach and knowing what to expect.
One of the most serious issues that can cause further damage is moisture. Not only does it have an unpleasant smell and unappealing appearance, it can also cause high humidity levels, mould, structural damage, failure of electronic appliances and, most importantly, health issues. This problem requires immediate action — you need to detect the source of the problem, fix the leak and install proper ventilation to control the humidity levels.
It’s not uncommon for old houses to be fraught with pests, which can be more than just an annoyance. Before starting the remodelling process, you should conduct a thorough inspection in order to see whether your house has a problem with rodents, cockroaches, termites or even bats. You can run an inspection yourself or hire a professional — either way, make sure to leave no stone unturned. If your house has a pest problem, you should find the most efficient pest control approach. However, you should consider opting for eco-friendly measures in order to protect both your health and the environment.
The majority of old houses have outdated electrical systems that can cause serious issues including house fires. Although repairing or replacing the electrical system in your home might require a sizeable amount of money, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The main problems when it comes to electricity in old houses include faulty wiring, ungrounded electrical outlets, an outdated electrical box, etc. After conducting a thorough inspection, you’ll know whether you need to replace the entire system or make just a few repairs.
The foundations of old houses usually deteriorate over the years, which leads to the appearance of cracks or emission of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. Additionally, water can penetrate the foundation, which can lead to further damage. A possible solution is applying the foundation sealer and sealing the inside of the blocks. However, you need to drain as much water as possible in order to prevent the peeling of the sealant.
Old pipes and house paint can contain a lot of lead, which can be extremely harmful to your and your family’s health. Before the 1940s, old houses had lead pipes, which were replaced with galvanised ones. However, the earliest galvanised pipes still contained a certain amount of lead. In addition, until the 1980s, copper pipes were usually joined using solder that also contained lead. If your house is from this period, chances are that it is full of lead.
To solve this problem, you can either opt for a filtration system to extract lead from your water system or completely replace the old pipes.
When it comes to lead-based paint, it’s advisable that you remove it especially if you have young children. There are different options when it comes to lead paint removal, but you should seek professional help if you’re not familiar with the process.
Another important issue when it comes to renovating an old house is the condition of old windows and doors. Not only do rotten doors and windows with peeling paint look unappealing and shabby, they can also be a source of draught and leaks, which can lead to energy loss due to poor insulation. Although many problems can be repaired, you should consider replacing your doors if they aren’t suitable for your climate or if they are too warped to fit their frame. The same goes for windows — if the repair isn’t a long-term solution, it’s better to replace them altogether.
Renovating an old house can be quite challenging especially if you don’t have enough experience or skills in the field. However, if you know which problems to expect, you’ll be able to solve them more efficiently.
Lana Hawkins is a student of architecture and the editor-in-chief on Smooth Decorator. She enjoys writing about home improvement and landscaping projects. Lana suggests installing security doors when renovating your home in order to keep it protected and your family safe.